2026 Compare Cities Overview:
San Marcos, TX vs Salem, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in San Marcos?
- The Median Age in Salem is 10.8 years older than in San Marcos.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or San Marcos?
- Salem housing costs are 19.1% more expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or San Marcos?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 0.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Marcos.

Things to do in San Marcos?
San Marcos, Texas is a vibrant city located in the heart of Hays County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Wonder World Cave or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Rio Vista Park, Aquarena Springs and Purgatory Creek Natural Area. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make San Marcos their home.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Oregon is a vibrant city located in the Willamette Valley. With its close proximity to both the ocean and the mountains, Salem offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, kayaking, fishing and hiking in nearby parks and forests. The city is also home to a variety of museums and historical sites from the state's rich past, as well as an array of shopping centers, entertainment venues and nightlife hotspots. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or relocating for the long term, Salem has something for everyone.

 San Marcos, TXSalem, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock174,193329,725,481
 Median Income$42,500  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$335,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Marcos    6 Reviews

An area with so much potential and existing natural beauty.Sadly bad urban planning is clearly obvious.Looks like fun for tens of thousands of students.However for the  More

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Over 17 years ago

San Marcos has the most beautiful people and places that I have ever seen throughout my travels. I love this city so much that I decided to settle down here and start a  More

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Over 18 years ago

I spent several summers and a couple winters in San Marcos during my formidable years and really have to tell those interested about what a nice town it is. The best  More

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Reviews for Salem    37 Reviews

After reading the reviews here, I had to come write my own. The problem I had with most of the reviews is that most were very opinion-based and seemed to assume everyone  More

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Moved here approx. 4 years ago from SW Michigan, but I've lived in 9 other cities & 5 other states. Salem is a very manageable sized city, with tons of parks, diverse  More

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Over 6 years ago

I'm a native 5th generation Oregonian, so bear in mind that I was born with webs between my toes! Anyway, I used to think it rained too much when I was young. Then I  More

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